Mario (Geronimo Meynier), son of a ceramic artist, is unhappy when, after a short absence from school due to illness, he arrives back at school to find that his seat in the class has been taken by a new boy, Franco (Andrea Sciré). Franco is the son of a diplomat and regularly changes schools as his father is transferred to new postings. Mario rather ungraciously accepts the fact that the new boy has taken over his seat. In spite of this poor start a friendship quickly develops between the two boys. Mario is sporty and mischievous while Franco, a smart lad, is still affected by the passing away of his mother some 8 years earlier.
Franco is very unhappy when he learns that he has to move school again as his father was suddenly transferred to Sudan. Mario decides to help his friend and arranges that Franco moves in with his family. That way the boy will be able to continue his studies at the same school.
Mario, good athlete that he is, is convinced that he will win the local cross-country race and even better his previous record. When the Franco unexpectedly beats him in the finals (after Mario started with too fast a pace), it is a bitter pill for Mario to swallow. Mario impulsively starts a rumour about Franco which quickly snowballs into something ugly. Would this mean the end of the friendship?
The film ends on a poignant note, in my view the right ending. I found the performances of both young protagonists quite accomplished while the cinematography of this black and white film and soundtrack by Nino Rota are of high standard.
Although I score this film a good 7/10, it is not quite as good as the similarly-themed 'Shoeshine' (aka 'Sciuscià ') of 1946, a masterpiece by Vittorio De Sica, where we witness how the friendship between two lads is put under incredible pressure. Nevertheless, if you haven't seen 'Amici per la pelle', try to get to get it; it's worth it.
Franco is very unhappy when he learns that he has to move school again as his father was suddenly transferred to Sudan. Mario decides to help his friend and arranges that Franco moves in with his family. That way the boy will be able to continue his studies at the same school.
Mario, good athlete that he is, is convinced that he will win the local cross-country race and even better his previous record. When the Franco unexpectedly beats him in the finals (after Mario started with too fast a pace), it is a bitter pill for Mario to swallow. Mario impulsively starts a rumour about Franco which quickly snowballs into something ugly. Would this mean the end of the friendship?
The film ends on a poignant note, in my view the right ending. I found the performances of both young protagonists quite accomplished while the cinematography of this black and white film and soundtrack by Nino Rota are of high standard.
Although I score this film a good 7/10, it is not quite as good as the similarly-themed 'Shoeshine' (aka 'Sciuscià ') of 1946, a masterpiece by Vittorio De Sica, where we witness how the friendship between two lads is put under incredible pressure. Nevertheless, if you haven't seen 'Amici per la pelle', try to get to get it; it's worth it.